Former Governor of Kano State and vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has hailed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for their courage, patriotism and commitment to national development in exposing the hard realities facing Nigerians.
Kwankwaso said in a statement on Sunday that the bishops did an important national duty by speaking out on the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, eroding public faith in governance and the hardship endured by millions of citizens across the country.
He said the concerns stated by the bishops should not be read thru partisan glass as they are the experiences of ordinary Nigerians in every region of the federation.
“I commend the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for having the courage and patriotism to draw the attention of our nation to the realities that face us,” Kwankwaso stated.
It said: “Their concerns about the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence and the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians are neither partisan nor isolated; they cut across every region of our country and are the daily experiences of ordinary citizens.
The former presidential aspirant said that despite the vast human and natural resources in Nigeria, many Nigerians still face acute economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and lack of access to basic social services.
He bemoaned that many Nigerians cannot afford their basic needs including food, healthcare, education and transportation.
Kwankwaso stated the continued existence of these difficulties calls for urgent need for authentic, compassionate and people-oriented leadership at all levels of government.
“Nigeria is richly blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to bear the heavy burden of economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate access to quality education and healthcare and shrinking opportunities,” he said.
“These aren’t abstract statistics, these are painful realities impacting families, communities and businesses throughout this country.”
The former governor highlighted that the leadership is to promote the well-being of the public by putting in place policies that would create job opportunities, expand access to social services and ensure security.
He appealed to individuals in public service to put the interests of the people above political concerns and act with urgency to address the mounting hardship in the country.
Kwankwaso also urged Nigerians, religious leaders, traditional institutions, professional organisations and civil society organisations to continue to engage government constructively whenever possibilities offer themselves.
“Democratic governance flourishes when citizens engage in public debate and hold leaders accountable thru peaceful and lawful means,” he said.
“I encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to engage constructively with the Federal Government and with leaders at all levels,” he said.
“We must continue to advocate for good governance, accountability, transparency and policies that give priority to the security, welfare and prosperity of our people.
He said criticism, if presented in good faith, should be appreciated as a contribution to national advancement, and not taken as animosity.
“Constructive engagement between government and stakeholders may help to strengthen institutions, improve public trust and deepen democracy,” the former governor said.
Kwankwaso also said that the current problems in Nigeria need joint effort and shared national responsibility.
No government can solve the country’s problems on its own, without the assistance of individuals, institutions and leaders across political and religious differences, he said.
By collaborative dedication, responsible leadership and true involvement we can construct a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria, he said.
He appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in the face of the current challenges, asserting that Nigeria still has the capacity to overcome its problems with honest leadership, hard effort and national unity.
Kwankwaso also asked for fresh investment in education, health, agriculture, job creation and security, saying the sectors were vital for sustainable national growth.
He said regaining public trust in government translates into concrete improvements in the lives of citizens, and witnessing greater protection for democratic institutions.
The former governor ended his message with prayers for peace, stability and growth in Nigeria.
“May the Almighty Allah continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guide our leaders in the right direction, protect our people and give our nation peace, justice and prosperity,” he stated.
Kwankwaso’s comment is coming on the heels of the increasing national discourse on economic hardship, insecurity and governance since the recent meeting between the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The bishops called on the Federal Government to take more concrete efforts to alleviate the deteriorating living conditions and to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country.
About the Author
